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The Ugandan football fraternity and officials from the Federation of Ugandan Football Associations (FUFA) on Tuesday night gathered at the FUFA Complex in Mengo to bid farewell to their departed Second Vice President, Darius Mugoye.
Mugoye’s passing at Mengo Hospital earlier on Tuesday marked a somber day for the football community. The 42-year-old had been hospitalized for less than two weeks over an undisclosed illness.
The Speaker of Uganda’s Parliament, Rt. Hon Anitah Annet Among, who was the chief mourner at the vigil paid tribute to the late’s significant contributions to the sport, highlighting his role as a pillar in the football community and a close personal friend.
Reflecting on their friendship, Ms Among recalled a poignant moment when she stood by Mugoye during the loss of his brother in Sheema district. She extended heartfelt condolences to FUFA, his immediate family, and the wider football fraternity.
“We will miss Mr. Darius Mugoye as a football fraternity. He has been a pillar in the game. He has been a close friend to me and I remember when he lost a brother, I went to Sheema district and stood by him in that trying moment.” She Said.
“I extend my sincere condolences to FUFA, his immediate family and the football fraternity as a whole,” she concluded.
The first FUFA Vice President, Mr Justus Mugisha eulogized the late Mugoye as a young and zealous man whom he was grooming for future leadership in the federation. “Darius Mugoye has died a young man and I have been telling him that I’m grooming him for future leadership. It is sad that I’m here with Mugoye laying before us,” Mugisha said.
“…worked with Mugoye for a long time and he was always been the cool head amidst times of challenges despite being younger than most of us on the Executive of FUFA. He was always a good coordinator and the President always trusted him in executing several roles,” he added.
Representing the government at the vigil, the Minister of State for Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang rekindled moments with the late Mugoye saying; “I remember we sat with Mr. Darius Mugoye on the same line as we watched Crested Cranes taking on Algeria in Njeru. He also received me in Moroto during the 99th FUFA General Assembly. For the little time I got to know him, he has been an honest man.”
“We are meeting the President of the Republic of Uganda tomorrow in regard to hosting AFCON 2027 and the list of the people who I was supposed to go with to State House had Mugoye’s name. I will ask for a moment of silence tomorrow in honour of this great statesman,” Minister Ogwanga added.
Among other notable figures present at the vigil on the night included Honorary FUFA President Dr Lawrence Mulindwa who offered to extend his condolences and support to the grieving community.
Others at the vigil included; Proline FC Director Mr Mujib Kasule, FUFA Technical Director, Mr Edgar Watson, The president of Uganda Sports Press Association (USPA), Mr Moses Alsayed Lubega, CEO of the Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA), Mr Chris Mugisha and players from St. Mary’s New Hope FC, a club owned by the late.
Mugoye’s impact on Ugandan football extended far beyond administrative roles. This year, his instrumental efforts played a crucial part in East Africa securing the hosting rights for AFCON 2027.
Additionally, he served as the proprietor of St. Mary’s New Hope FC, a Lower Division team affiliated with St. Mary’s SS in Nabweru, where he also held the position of Director.
In a final farewell, Darius Mugoye will be transported to his ancestral home in Rubanga Sheema District, where he will be laid to rest on Thursday.
Ugandan football will forever remember and honor this remarkable figure who left an indelible mark on the sport.
Source:Daily Express